Fairgrounds home to clinics

In September, the Hot Springs County Fairgrounds will host a couple clinics for those looking to get more experience for their horses.

September 6-8 will see Dave Weaver and Gwynn Turnbull Weaver bringing their Ranch Roping Clinic. This three-day clinic focuses on traditional ranch roping techniques, and provides instruction on preparation, positioning, roping shots, cattle handling, running rope, and some groundwork for branding and doctoring situations.

Riders need not have previous roping experience but must have enough riding ability have a stable seat and control their mounts at a walk, trot and lope. Students should have a saddle with a dally horn, roping glove(s), non-lace up boots, a knife and have access to a snaffle bit outfit, if required by the instructor. Students are advised to bring a rope not less than 50 feet long.

An additional rope with a breakaway honda is desirable but not required, as breakaway ropes will be available for student use during the clinic. Students may only use one horse for the entire clinic, unless a horse becomes ill or unsound during the clinic and must be replaced. Changing horses shall be only with the instructors’ approval.

For more information on the clinic, contact Melissa Gardner at 307-851-0859 or melissag@wyoming.com

Later in the month will be the seventh annual Connie Combs Barrel Racing Clinic, Sept. 27-29. These clinics provide opportunity to take your horse through exercises, build confidence and become a better competitor.

There is a $550 fee for the three-day clinic, and a $200 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot. The fee includes not just the training, but also lunches, a shirt and the dinner on Sept. 28.

On the final day there will be a jackpot to allow some participants to win their fee back. For more information, contact Bobbi Byrd at 307-231-1385 or through Facebook. Information and drills are also available at conniecombs.com.